- June 9, 2025
After 14 seasons of near misses, RCB finally lifted their first IPL trophy in 2025. But staying on top is tougher than getting there. To keep the momentum going, RCB should look to sharpen their squad, especially by adding a few impactful left-handers. Here are three players they should target next season, including a promising local name you might not know yet: Smaran Ravichandran.
Why RCB Needs More Lefties—and Why It Matters
RCB’s 2025 title victory was not just down to luck but also to intelligent squad building. However, they still need left-handed batters. Their next best options are Krunal Pandya or Devdutt Padikkal! What difference does that make? Well, because left-handers make it difficult to find the right line, length, and field settings for a bowler, they add confusion to a game when they need one or two runs to win.
Enter Mahipal Lomror—a left-handed batter and off-spin bowler, a true double threat. Despite not playing a single game for Gujarat Titans in 2025, his 2024 numbers don’t lie—high strike rate, quick runs, and serious middle-order impact. He’s also an ex-RCB player, so bringing him back could add depth, flexibility, and that much-needed lefty firepower.
Meet Smaran Ravichandran: RCB’s Homegrown Secret Weapon
The Karnataka left-hander was selected by SunRisers Hyderabad in 2025, but didn’t get an opportunity through injury. With limited opportunities, his T20 numbers jump off the page: 170 runs from 10 innings at an average of 34 and a strike rate of 170. He is aggressive, all local, and hungry to prove himself—exactly the X-factor RCB will be looking for this time next season.
Also, sometimes being the local kid could be the X-factor. At times, RCB’s home record had some questionable performances during 2025, but having a Karnataka player on the team could create some extra local support among their fan base and home synergy. In addition, RCB’s batting order is in major need of left-handed batsmen. If SRH does not take into account Smaran, this RCB bidding war could be a chance to get someone strong with local ties to the area. I can already hear the crowd screaming when a hometown kid takes the field and plays on the turf at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium!
Bringing Back Balance: How Sundar Fits Right into RCB’s Puzzle
Finally, but not least, we have Washington Sundar, someone who RCB fans will know well. The GT all-rounder has built a reputation as a dependable left-handed batter with a crafty off-spin. Sundar has had a solid IPL history; he took 39 wickets and scored some quick runs when required, and all at a decent pace with a strike-rate of over 160 this season.
Washington Sundar is the type of multidimensional player every championship team requires. He can bat at any position in the order, adapt to any situation, and his off-spin bowling can only bolster and add variety to the bowling lineup. Sundar comes to RCB with the added benefit of knowing the franchise from his time as a player there from 2018-2021. And Sundar’s calm head and versatility make him the ideal player to help RCB in their title defense.
So, there you have it—three smart picks for RCB after IPL 2025. Lomror’s firepower, Smaran’s local flair, and Sundar’s all-around value could be key to sustaining their success. With the mega auction coming up, RCB has a chance to add the left-handed variety that could keep them ahead of the pack.
What do you think—should RCB consider these players to help defend their title? Or is there a dark horse we are missing? Let me know your thoughts below, and let’s keep the IPL vibes going!
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